Philanthropy possesses a remarkable quality: the way one act of kindness can resonate far beyond its initial gesture. We witness this ripple effect frequently at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. When our donors engage their networks in charitable giving, it often sets off a chain reaction, resulting in enriching experiences for those involved and profound transformations for our community.
Jose Cueto and Anita Prietto’s journey with the Foundation began during a vacation with their friends, Amador and Rosalie Bustos, who spoke passionately about their involvement with the Foundation. Inspired by the Bustos family and fueled by their own commitment to giving back, Jose and Anita established the Cueto Prietto Fund.
Linda Brandenburger; Jose Cueto and Anita Prietto
Since then, they have expanded their philanthropic endeavors, establishing three additional charitable funds and involving their children in the process. Furthermore, Jose’s sister and her extended family were moved to create the Andrew Ray Katnik Memorial Fund at the Foundation in honor of her late husband. What began as a conversation among friends has now resulted in numerous grants enriching our community, with local philanthropists touching lives far beyond their own.
Stories like these serve as compelling examples of the power of philanthropy to inspire others. By modeling philanthropic values, caring people catalyze additional giving, especially among friends and family who witness the tangible, positive effects of their contributions. Plus, research shows that engagement with community-serving organizations fosters shared purposes and greater senses of self-efficacy among community members, so the benefits of their giving enrich civic life more broadly.
At the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, we cherish the moments when our local philanthropists bring more people into the fold. Whether it’s by introducing them to local nonprofits on Big Day of Giving or discussing the benefits of establishing charitable funds. In fact, referrals from current donors remain one of the most significant sources of new charitable funds each year.
Philanthropy is inherently a social activity. The origin of the term means love of humanity, after all, and modeling the act of giving often inspires others to do the same. Take, for instance, Linda Brandenburger’s story. A philanthropic partner for over two decades, she attributes her commitment to giving to her parents. They modeled philanthropy for her and, since opening her charitable fund two decades ago, Linda has introduced two friends to the benefits of partnering with us, resulting in numerous grants to local causes.
“I started thinking that there are others like me who are philanthropically inclined,” she says. “That’s why I mentioned the Foundation to my friends who seemed relieved there was a reliable organization that could help them realize their philanthropic goals.”
Linda’s not alone. An anonymous fundholder initiated the first of her two charitable funds at the Foundation in 2015. Rooted in a family tradition of giving, she is committed to promoting cultural equity in the Sacramento region. “I aim to inspire my family to give back because it’s crucial to support others and shift the focus away from oneself,” she says.
The way the anonymous fundholder modeled philanthropy made a difference for the causes she cares about — and sparked a ripple effect. Just a few years after she opened her charitable fund, her daughter followed suit.